Snek 1.10 Released: Python-Like Code for Embedded Systems

Keith Packard (keith Packard), the active developer of Debian, the leader of the X.org project, and the creator of many X-extensions including Xrender, Xcomposite, and Xrandr, published a new release of the programming language SNEK 1.10. This version is positioned as a simplified version of the Python language, tailored for use on embedded systems with limited resources that may not be able to support micropython or circuitpython. Snek, although not a full Python implementation, can run on chips with just 2kb RAM, 32 KB Flash Monasons, and 1kb EEPROM. The project code is distributed under the GPLV3 license, with assemblies available for Linux, Windows, and MacOS.

Snek utilizes Python syntax and semantics, albeit supporting only a limited subset of Python’s capabilities. One of the key objectives of the development process is to maintain backward compatibility, allowing programs developed on SNEK to be executed using full-fledged Python 3 implementations.

To develop applications in SNEK, programmers can use the code editor mu (with Patchi for support) or the built-in console integrated development environment snekde. Snekde, built using the Curses library, offers an interface for code editing and device interaction via USB port, enabling immediate program storage in EEPROM devices as well as code uploading from the device.

SNEK has been ported for a range of embedded devices, such as Arduino, Feather/Metro M0 Express, Adafruit Crickit, Adafruit ItsyBitsy, Lego EV3, and µDuino, facilitating access to GPIO and peripheral devices. The project has also developed its own open-source

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